Our Governors

Governors

Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing board is absolutely key to the effectiveness of our school. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including by the governing board.

The role of the governing board is a strategic one with three key functions:

Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

There is lots of useful help and advice regarding admissions at www.nga.org.uk but please contact Rachael Constantine in the school office on 01603 720402 or office@salhouse.norfolk.sch.uk if you have any enquires about our governors or how you become one.

Most of my working career was in managing Local Authority education and children’s Services in London, Kent and Medway. I have been Assistant Director of Education/Children’s Services for Medway Council with full responsibility for a broad range of services, including SEN, Behaviour Services, Admissions, school places planning and buildings development and child protection. I have been a successful children’s services consultant supporting Local Authorities, school clusters and individual schools on strategic development; Ofsted preparation and bidding for funding. I am privileged to be elected chair of governors of Neatishead and Salhouse School Federation. As strategic leaders, we as governors are accountable to parents, children, staff and indeed Ofsted and SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) for how well the school does. Seeing our children learning and succeeding in class, or enjoying performing in their Christmas Play, makes it all worthwhile.

I began my career teaching ‘A’ level Business Studies and Accounts in schools in East London, and finished by returning to Norfolk to teach ICT, and then later became SENCo for several years. Upon retirement from full time employment I worked part-time with young people with behavioural needs. Although my previous experience is with teenagers, I feel that my background will prove helpful in my role as Governor with special responsibilities for SEN, Accessibility and Well-Being.

I was delighted to be invited to become a Governor in May 2016, and have found my involvement with the pupils and staff both stimulating and rewarding. The creation of a positive learning environment leads to progress and growth and I am keen to play a role in ensuring both schools be as good as they possibly can.

Angela Feeley

Pupil, family & community support
Safeguarding & attendance
Whole School Pastoral Support

I moved from Southampton with my husband and 3 young children 10 years ago. My children all attended and achieved great success at Salhouse Primary School: leaving well-prepared for their secondary education.

I began my career with Salhouse Primary school 7 years ago and have enjoyed roles such as:

1:1 teaching support for children with special educational needs and whole class teaching as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

Today, I continue with elements of these but within my current role of Whole School Pastoral Support. Pastoral support is varied, ranging from helping the youngest children to settle into school, to the oldest children coping with their transition to high school education. Modern family life is busy and can be complicated. Much of my time, with the children, involves talking about their worries in meeting all the expectations of learning whilst coping with growing up and all the different social interactions that life requires.

I have been a staff governor for 4 years working closely with Neatishead Primary school whilst based at Salhouse School.

Jane Gay

Pupil, family & community support
Early Years
Safeguarding & attendance
SIAMS

I have been teaching in Norfolk primary schools for many years and have also managed a Preschool before doing Early Years inspections for Ofsted. I am currently working as a Safeguarding Officer alongside my responsibilities as a school governor and occasional supply teaching.

I have been a governor in Norfolk schools for nearly 20 years, both primary and secondary.

My responsibilities at Neatishead and Salhouse are Safeguarding with safer recruitment and Attendance, Pupil, Family and Community Support, Early Years and SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools)

Laura Davies

Class Teacher
SIAMS

I have been a teacher at Neatishead for five years, previously working in a first school in Norwich, a large primary school and a Pupil Referral Unit. I am the senior teacher and have further responsibilities for pastoral care and RE. I am lucky to be able to share my passion for music with all the children. I run a choir, we perform with and compete against other schools and we all just love to sing! I am training to be a Forest School leader and our outdoor learning is exciting and vibrant. Neatishead C of E Primary School is a wonderful place to teach and learn.

I am a co-opted governor with my child attending Neatishead C of E Primary School. I have been a governor for nearly 7 years and at various times had 4 children passing through this school. I have seen it grow in strength and move through partnership to federation. I have been a secondary school teacher and am very interested in education as a whole and enjoy my role as a governor being involved in the school in all ways that I can including accompanying the children on school trips to the theatre, church and sporting activities.

Nick Drew

Finance, Premises & Health and Safety

I was born in Manchester in 1949 and was educated at Harrow School. I went to Manchester University (Economics Degree) and then became a Chartered Accountant.

I have been a Board Member of a wide variety of Companies- although now retired.

For many years I have been treasurer and a member of Neatishead PCC.

My grandchildren attend Neatishead Primary and Pre School.

I have lived in Neatishead / Barton Turf for 36 years and have been married for 39 years. I have a daughter who is an Anaesthetist Registrar, and a son who is a Chartered Accountant.

I have recently been appointed as DBE/PCC Foundation governor of Neatishead & Salhouse.

Rev’d David Smith

Headteacher’s appraisal & teachers’ pay panel

I graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Southampton University and served for 33 years as an engineering officer in the Royal Air Force, including tours on front-line aircraft, in bomb disposal, technical intelligence, and research & development, as well as higher management and budgetary roles in MoD. On retirement from the RAF in 2005, I was ordained in Gloucester diocese, serving my curacy and incumbencies there for 11 years, including governorships in both county and church primary schools. In 2016, I moved to Norfolk as Rector of the Benefice of St Benedict and Prior of St Benet's Abbey. My wife, Angela, is also an ordained priest, we have four grown-up children, and two black cats who rule the Rectory!

Lena Arien

Roles & responsibilities – Environment for learning

My professional background is in education where I have and continue to teach in a variety of mainstream and specialist schools. This has made me aware of the difference a positive and supportive governing body can make to a school, not only to its pupils’ well-being and progress but also to the staff’s.

As my son is currently in year 1 and with my daughter starting Reception in September, I am keen to be able to support our school and ensuring that it is a happy, safe and thriving place for children to learn and experience the world around them.

Rev Darleen Plattin

I am the Rector of The Bittern Benefice (The Plumsteads and Witton, Rackheath and Salhouse). I am the Bishop’s appointed Governor, a role I have on this governing body and also at Lt. Plumstead school. My experience as a governor goes back over twelve years and includes church and community schools. For 10 years I was on the Diocesan Board of Education and chaired the Christian distinctiveness group. I am extremely passionate about working with schools to help them live out their Christian vision and values.

Laura Jarvis

I am a recently elected Parent Governor with two children in Salhouse and many years ago I was a pupil at Neatishead Primary. After a degree in Civil Engineering I switched career paths and decided to become an accountant. I now work full-time for an Oil & Gas company in Norwich. I am new to the role of a Governor and I am hoping to learn quickly so that I am able to help the board continue to maintain high standards.

Both of my children are thriving, both educationally and emotionally, thanks to the hard work of everyone at school. I would like to be part of ensuring that all pupils get as good an opportunity.

Mr William Knight

I am a Chartered Surveyor dealing with Leisure & Commercial Property.
I have a step son who is currently in Grebes at Salhouse Primary School.
I feel I have the experience to assist the Governing Body and look forward to being able to support the Federation.

None of our governors have declared any relevant business & pecuniary interests. Any relationships between governors & members of the school (including spouses, partners & relatives) are included in their personal information.

What is a register of business & pecuniary interests?

It is a list of any business or financial interests. For example: the company the person or people close to them work for, directorships, significant shareholdings or other appointments within a business or other organisation which may have dealings with the school.

The register enables governors to demonstrate that in spending public money they do not benefit personally from decisions that they make.